Green Tahoe hotel

unedited 2/09 Tahoe Mt. News



By Kathryn Reed

The rather unassuming exterior belies what 968 Park Spa Resort is all about. Sustainability is word to use when talking about South Lake Tahoe’s latest creation.
When the Southern California partnership led by brothers Solomon and David Aflalo bought the 58-room Stateline area hotel in 2007 for nearly $5 million the plan was to turn it into the South Shore’s only eco-friendly hotel.
It took $3 million and reducing the 30-year-old former Days Inn down to the studs to make it a reality.
Chris Minnes, the buff trainer from Push Fitness, is the general manager. He is buying into the owners’ desire to sell the experience of Tahoe and not just a room.
While it’s traditional for the guy to leave his significant other in the car, Minnes will have none of that. He invites the couple in, offers them a glass of wine, shows them a room or two and then let’s them decide if this is where they want to spend a night or two.
This technique has been working since the December opening.
What makes this lodging establishment different from others on the South Shore is the detail to being green. Sierra Sustainable Builders of South Lake re-created the Park Avenue hotel with reused materials.
The cost to apply for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold certification through the U.S. Green Building Council is all that’s in the way of having that designation. So the owners call the property “green compliant.”
Recycled wood – part from the old establishment, part brought in – is everywhere. Old mattress springs are wall art. Toilets use little water but still flush everything. Sheets are 800 count. Linens are organic and natural. The toiletries are from Osea. Carpeting is natural. Some flooring is concrete. Lighting is environmentally friendly.
Nothing from the old place, nor scraps from construction ended up in a landfill. What wasn’t used onsite was donated to charity, given to others or sold.
John Paul has a unique photograph in each room. Before he was allowed to hang them, though, he had to print each one on recycled paper and put it in an old frame.
It’s hard to tell if old copies of the Tahoe Mountain News are on the walls, but the wallpaper is made from recycled newspaper.
The lobby area is not the typical sterile or dingy foyer that so many hotels are known for. Here it is inviting. Denatured alcohol is used in the ultra modern fireplaces. They don’t produce any emissions. Benches beckon weary travelers to rest.
Alpine Organics supplies the breakfast scones and croissants that are served each morning in this area. Owners are talking to an El Dorado County winery about supplying organic vino for afternoon tastings.
The spa consists of two tiny massage rooms, a good-sized hot tub and sauna.
Check out www.968parksparesort.com for more info.